February is LGBT+ History Month (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender plus) and is an opportunity to celebrate LGBT+ culture, reflect on the past and present of the LGBT+ community and continue to strive towards equality for all.
The 2023 UK theme is ‘Behind the lens’ which will celebrate LGBT+ people’s contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens and shine a light on their lived experience. Events will take place across Scotland, delivered by community groups and organisations from all sectors. This year, there will be no central directory co-ordinating events in Scotland, so events will instead be promoted via social media. NHS Lanarkshire’s health improvement team will share and promote local events that may be of interest. Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @NHSLHI to keep up-to-date.
To celebrate the annual event, NHS Lanarkshire’s blood borne virus and sexual health promotion team will add a special ‘Pride Bag’ of condoms to the Condoms by Post service for the month of February.
Jo Duffy, senior health promotion officer, said: “Sexual health is one aspect of overall health and wellbeing, it is really important but often overlooked. In Lanarkshire, we operate a free Condoms by Post service which is available to anyone with a Lanarkshire postcode.
“The Condoms by Post service can be accessed via telephone or email by providing your name, address and type of condoms you would like – contact details and types of condoms we offer can be found at https://www.lanarkshiresexualhealth.org/free-condoms-no-fuss/
“LGBT+ History Month is a great opportunity to celebrate LGBT+ people in our communities. We believe everyone has a right to positive sexual health but recognise that – for some groups – there may be barriers to accessing services, such as cost or stigma. We hope that in providing ‘Pride Bags’ of condoms over the month of February we can continue to promote safer sex and raise awareness that our service is inclusive of everyone.”
